She comes where there is light and order
Tradition says Lakshmi lives where there is cleanliness, light and harmony, and leaves where there is dirt, darkness and quarrelling. So her worship begins before the puja: with a clean house, a lit lamp at the entrance at dusk, and a peaceful household. She is worshipped together with Ganesha, so that wealth comes with wisdom and without obstacles, or with Vishnu, her consort.
When to do it
- Friday, her day, in the evening. See Friday Lakshmi Bhakti.
- Diwali, the new moon of Kartik: the main Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, done in the evening at the auspicious time given by your panchang.
- Sharad Purnima (Kojagari Lakshmi Puja in Bengal and Odisha), and Dhanteras.
What you will need
- A picture of Lakshmi with Ganesha (Lakshmi on Ganesha's right)
- A red or pink cloth, a kalash of water with mango leaves
- Lotus or red and pink flowers, a garland
- Kumkum, haldi, akshat, sandal
- A few coins and, on Diwali, your account books or cash box
- Ghee lamps (many on Diwali), incense, camphor
- Naivedya: kheer or white sweets, batasha, fruit
Friday puja, step by step
- Clean. Sweep and clean the house, especially the entrance and the puja place.
- Prepare. Bathe, wear clean clothes, and sit facing east or north.
- Ganesh first. Offer a flower and akshat to Ganesha.
- Sankalpa. With water in your right hand, state your name and prayer, then let the water fall.
- Offer to Lakshmi. Kumkum, haldi and akshat, then lotus or red flowers and the garland. Place the coins before her.
- Lamp and incense. Light the ghee lamp and show incense. Place another lamp at the main door.
- Bhog. Offer kheer or white sweets and fruit.
- Mantra. Chant the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra 108 times.
- Path. Read the Lakshmi Chalisa.
- Aarti. Sing Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, after a short Ganesh aarti.
- Close. Ask forgiveness, bow, and share the prasad. Keep the coins in your cash box or tijori.
Diwali night
On Diwali the same puja is done on a larger scale: new clothes, the whole house lit with lamps, Lakshmi and Ganesh installed on a red cloth with a kalash, and, in business families, the new account books (bahi-khata) and cash box worshipped alongside them. The puja is done in the evening (pradosh kaal), and lamps are kept burning through the night to welcome her.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lakshmi worshipped with Ganesha?
Ganesha removes obstacles and gives wisdom. Worshipping them together asks for wealth that comes rightly and is used wisely.
What does Lakshmi like to be offered?
Lotus and red or pink flowers, kumkum, kheer and white sweets. Above all, tradition says she wants a clean, lit and peaceful home.
Which is the best day for Lakshmi puja?
Friday every week, Diwali night above all, and Sharad Purnima.